Over 24,500 traffic accidents occurred in San Jose in the last four years. And more than 15,000 people suffered from injuries of various degrees in those crashes. That’s why if you’re not careful, you can also become a victim of one such crash. Even if you stay alert, you can still get injured in a car crash because of some other people’s mistake.Image Source
If you become a victim of such an unfortunate incident, you can still recover your losses by filing a claim or lawsuit to receive suitable compensation.
However, you need to act fast. If you miss the timeline of filing the car accident claim in San Jose, you may never be able to receive your rightful compensation.
Here is everything you need to know about San Jose car accident claims that will help you file your lawsuit in time.
What Kind of Car Accident Damage and Injuries Qualify for Compensation in San Jose?
If you suffer from injuries because of a car accident in San Jose, you’re naturally qualified to receive proper compensation. However, the value of compensation will depend on the type of your injuries.
The circumstances of the accident will also determine how much compensation you will receive or if you will receive any compensation at all.
Here are some typical car accident injuries that may qualify you to receive compensation:
- Burns
- Lacerations and cuts
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Psychological stress or trauma like anxiety attacks, PTSD, or depression
- Head, brain, and spinal cord injuries
- Injuries that may result in amputations
Usually, you need to show that your injuries and the car accident happened because of the mistake of another party. Experienced auto accident attorneys in San Jose can help you prepare your case to demonstrate that to help you receive maximum compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
According to the personal injury statute of limitation in San Jose, you only have two years to file a claim for the injuries caused by a car accident. The time is exactly two years from the date you received or discovered your injury.
If you don’t make a claim or file a lawsuit within these two years, the court can dismiss your case. You will lose your right to seek compensation in this case.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
If you discover your injuries at a later date (for example, mental diseases, traumas, or internal injuries), you may receive a time-limit extension for filing the claim or lawsuit.
If the person who received an injury during the accident is a minor, the time limit for filing a claim can also be extended on a case-by-case basis.
Also, if you’re planning to file a claim against government agencies and federal insurance policy providers, the deadline for filing the lawsuit can be shorter than two years.
However, whatever your situation is, you shouldn’t take too long to file a claim to seek compensation. After all, evidence of the accidents can slowly disappear and witnesses can forget about the accident if you wait too long.
So, you should consult an experienced car accident attorney in San Jose as soon as possible to handle the lawsuit.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Car Accident?
You can still receive compensation for the car accident injuries even if you were partially at fault for the whole incident. After all, the car accident law in San Jose is a pure comparative negligence rule.
Thanks to this rule, you can still file a claim and recover your damages. However, the value of compensation will decrease according to your share of fault.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me File My Claim?
Well, you don’t actually need a lawyer to file and settle your claim for the car accident. However, an experienced lawyer can help you win the maximum amount of benefits.
In other words, you are more likely to receive a large settlement amount with a professional car accident lawyer than without one.
Insurance companies and agencies face similar car accident lawsuits regularly. So, they know many tactics to scare you or settle the case for compensation way less than you actually deserve.
With an experienced lawyer by your side, you won’t become a victim of these tactics. Your attorney will help you navigate the case so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts!
If you or your loved ones get injured because of a car accident, you deserve to receive proper compensation to recover your losses.
And you’re not alone in this fight.
Experienced auto accident lawyers in San Jose will help you file your claim quickly and create a solid case to make sure you win the lawsuit.
This way, you don’t have to worry about time given by the statute of limitations running out and not receiving the maximum settlement amount.